April 2012

Chrysler to premiere two design concepts in Beijing

(April 8, 2012) AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler brand announces its return to the China market at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 23. To commemorate the occasion, Chrysler will unveil a Chrysler 300C design concept created specifically with Chinese elements in mind.

Acura back in action with S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicles

(April 7, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Acura and Marvel Entertainment announced this week the details of their promotional campaign for this summer's anticipated film, Marvel's The Avengers. Following the luxury automaker's integration with THOR last summer, Acura is building on its established role as the official vehicle of S.H.I.E.L.D.

Chrysler issues two recalls

(April 7, 2012) Chrysler said Friday it was issuing two recalls to repair 2012 models for potentially faulty valves that could cause a fire and wheels that could increase the risk of a crash.

2013 Cadillac XTS flagship luxury sedan to start at $44,995

(April 7, 2012) DETROIT –The 2013 Cadillac XTS luxury sedan, Cadillac’s most technologically advanced car yet, will be available at U.S. dealerships later this spring with a starting price of $44,995 including destination.

The all-new XTS is the only car in its class with standard Magnetic Ride Control, the world’s-fastest reacting suspension technology. Also standard and making its debut in the XTS, is CUE, Cadillac’s breakthrough in-vehicle user experience for control and connectivity.

Toyota to push U.S. vehicle development with 150 new engineers

(April 6, 2012) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Toyota Technical Center (TTC), a division of Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing, announced this week that the company will hire approximately 150 engineers, technicians, advanced researchers and scientists by the end of 2012. The hiring reinforces Toyota’s commitment to localizing vehicle design and development in the North American region.

Honda to outfit 94 percent of lineup with rearview cameras on 2013 models

(April 6, 2012) TORRANCE, Calif. — Honda is taking a comprehensive approach to enhancing driver visibility and confidence on the road beginning with the widespread application of rearview cameras on 2013 models. Over 94 percent of Honda's 2013 model lineup will be equipped with rearview cameras, with 100 percent of Honda's truck lineup (Crosstour, CR-V, Odyssey, Pilot, Ridgeline) as well as CR-Z, Accord and Crosstour providing rearview cameras as standard equipment.

Lexus reveals 2013 ES 350 and ES hybrid

(April 6, 2012) NEW YORK — Lexus has unveiled the all-new 2013 ES lineup, including the ES 350 and ES 300h equipped with Lexus Hybrid Drive. Featuring a new design theme including the new Lexus grille and enhanced handling, Lexus proclaims that the 2013 ES sedan is set to continue as a favorite of luxury car buyers.

Ferdinand Porsche, designer of the iconic 911, dies at 76

(April 6, 2012) Ferdinand Alexander Porsche, who designed the first 911 sports car and went on to found a consumer products design firm that also carried the Porsche name, died Thursday in Salzburg, Austria. He was 76.

Porsche started work in the design department of the Porsche auto business in 1958. Porsche's artistic talent was demonstrated in the early 60s when he modeled the first plasticine model of a successor to the 356 series. In 1962 he became head of the Porsche Design Studio and a year later made a worldwide sensation with the Porsche 901 (or 911). It was first shown at the 1963 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Volkswagen up! named 'World Car of the Year 2012'

(April 6, 2012) NEW YORK —  The up! has been named "World Car of the Year" by a jury of 66 top journalists from 25 countries at the New York International Auto Show. The Volkswagen up! city car was selected out of three finalists to secure the internationally recognized prize.

The other finalists were the Porsche 911 and BMW 3-Series.

Range Rover Evoque's global awards top 100 with newest honor

(April 6, 2012) NEW YORK — The Range Rover Evoque has been crowned World Design Car of the Year 2012. The announcement was made at the New York International Auto Show and sees the Range Rover Evoque's awards tally total more than 100 global accolades.

The award is testament to the Range Rover Evoque's groundbreaking and unique design and recognizes the fact that the dynamic new Range Rover has created a new segment of the market to world-wide acclaim.